Residential Care Facilities Manage More Chronic Conditions
Nearly half of U.S. facilities are caring for residents with four or more common chronic diseases.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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A 2025 CDC report finds that nearly half of residential care communities across the U.S. now manage residents with a complex mix of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. This data highlights the significant burden of chronic conditions within long-term care settings.
Why it matters
Understanding the prevalence of these four specific conditions in residential care is critical for assessing the resources and specialized support needed by residents. The findings highlight how geographic location, facility size, and ownership models influence the complexity of care provided.
The National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study tracked chronic disease prevalence across U.S. residential care communities in 2025. While 48% of facilities manage residents with Alzheimer’s, diabetes, depression, and heart disease, researchers noted variance by facility type and location.
The players
CDC
The national public health agency responsible for tracking health trends and managing data on chronic disease prevalence.
The details
The study utilized data from the National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study to track the coexistence of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Researchers analyzed prevalence rates across different facility attributes, finding that 65% of mid-sized communities with 26 to 50 beds reported residents with all four conditions. Nonmetropolitan facilities also showed a higher concentration, with 62.4% reporting residents managing this specific cluster of chronic illnesses.
Timeline
2025 data collection period for the chronic disease prevalence study.
Health Landscape
The National Post-acute and Long-term Care Study provides a comprehensive look at the rising complexity of patient needs in senior living environments. These findings reflect broader shifts in the healthcare landscape toward managing multiple concurrent chronic conditions in residential settings.
Families evaluating residential care for loved ones should inquire about a facility's capacity to manage concurrent conditions like Alzheimer’s and heart disease. Discussing specific care protocols for managing these multiple, complex health needs is a vital step when choosing a provider.
The takeaway
Residential care centers are increasingly managing high levels of multi-morbidity in their resident populations. If you have a family member in care, consider reviewing their current medical care plan with their physician to ensure all four chronic conditions are being proactively coordinated.
Further reading
For more information on managing complex care needs, visit our Alzheimer’s section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Senior Housing News.
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